The Mountain View Garden Club conducted its monthly meeting on Oct. 21 at the Clifford Township Firehall. Representatives including Alex Higgins from Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School and Diane Wood, Casie Gaylets, and Jamie Swartzfager from Fell Charter School delivered presentations outlining their chosen projects funded by last year’s grants.
The presenters demonstrated considerable commitment to their initiatives, which involve educating students in gardening, environmental stewardship, science,animal husbandry and the critical role of pollinators.
Higgins provided hydroponics instruction to her students, organizing a visit for 30 students to the Greenhouse Project in Scranton. The volunteers there expressed significant interest and invited Higgins to return for a dedicated class on hydroponics. She has observed a notable increase in student engagement concerning environmental conservation.
Wood, Gaylets and Swartzfager continue their collaborative efforts on the Pollinator Garden, Seeds of Learning Project, also known as the School Bloomand Grow Project. Gaylets, a master beekeeper, brought one of her hives to school for educational purposes. Alongside cultivating food and studying bees, Wood and Swartzfager supported students in constructing compost bins and planting vegetation specifically to attract pollinators. All teachers reported thatstudents were enthusiastic about witnessing the outcomes of their work in the garden, with some even taking vegetables home to share with their families.
Master Gardener Tammi Smith spoke about vermicomposting at the Mountain View Garden Club’s Sept. meeting. (Submitted)
September meeting
At the club’s Sept. 16 meeting, Master Gardener Tammi Smith gave an insightful presentation on vermicomposting, explaining how worms improve soil and boost garden health.
For more information on the benefits of worm castings, visit the Mountain View Garden Club website at mountainviewgardenclub.org and click on “More,” “Gardening Tips.”
Smith also has a Facebook page titled “The Worm Lady,” where visitors can find more interesting and amusing information.
Holiday celebration
The club’s annual holiday celebration will be held Dec. 10 at Pettinato’s Restaurant in Carbondale. Monetary donations collected during this event will support various horticulture projects for individuals with special needs, organized by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Lackawanna County. This gathering is open to both members and their guests.
To become a member of the Mountain View Garden Club, visit the club’s website and click on the “Membership Application” button.
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